The fourth Michael Jackson figure produced by Hot Toys, the 10th Anniversary Exclusive “Beat It” figure is based on the fan-favorite singer’s outfit from the music video of the same name. A hit from MJ’s second album Thriller, “Beat It” was a celebrated song and is still extremely popular today, nearly 30 years later.

PACKAGING

The figure’s packaging design looks like so much more than a toy figure box. In fact, just by looking at it, some people may not know there’s a toy inside. The outer layer is made of a heavy, thick black faux-leather material. At the bottom of the box’s slipcase there is a 10th Anniversary Hot Toys label marking this as one of 2000 exclusive limited pieces available exclusively at the Hong Kong Toy Fair.

When one removes the outer slipcase, one finds the lyrics printed within with a “MJ” logo and the MJ “Beat It” signature pose on the back. These printings really show the effort Hot Toys took in adding special value to the figure’s packaging, marking it as a true collectible item.

The main color of the interior design is red and it’s quite simple yet elegant. It has MJ’s portrait on the front part with some texts and, behind the inner box, the creative team’s credits. As for the figure inside the box, it is packaged with foam pieces wrapped according to the shape of the figure to ensure easy shipping and no damage.

SCULPT & PAINT APPLICATIONS

This is the fourth releases of MJ sculpted by Yulli, whose experienced enough for this new release so there is no doubt the likeness of the figure’s face is perfect.

I personally prefer the "Bad" head sculpt over this one, even though this figure is an exclusive. This version does not feature the PERS eye roll system, which is unfortunate. The facial expression included here is sometimes difficult to match with the body’s poses, making this version of MJ a little less appealing for casual fans.

The skin tone looks great and accurate, slightly lighter than Thriller version. There is nothing much to comment on here. The lips, eye brows, and eye lines are all drawn perfectly and even MJ’s hands all are painted well to include his finger nails. Hot Toys continues to set the bench mark for 1/6th scale paint applications and this is no exception.

ARTICULATION

Based on a True Type "Slim" body, this figure features plenty of articulation to ensure collectors and fans can pose MJ in his various dance positions. Even with the jacket on, it there’s little restriction. In fact, the best part of this new body design is the head being designed separately from the neck, giving fans more neck and head pose options.

CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES

Based on his appearance in the "Beat It" music video, these clothes instantly bring back memories and images of the infamous fight scene from the epic video. Complete with every detail, the clothing here includes not only the clothes, but the layered belts and signature red leather jacket. Personally, besides the impressive head sculpt, the highlight of this figure is the jacket, which even includes a real metal chain below the belt.

The t-shirt is painted with the picture as it is in the original music video. That said, when one touches the surface of the t-shirt, it actually is a bit tacky, so it’s best not to try and mess with it or stretch it too much as it might cause some crack on the design.

As for the pant, compared to the previously released MJ Icons "Bad" figure, this version could be considered extremely simple; featuring simple, plain black pants and shoes. As for accessories, there are eight hand sculpts. These specially-made interchangeable hands give fans a wide variety of posing options. Lastly, the figure includes a M Icon “Beat It” figure stand as well (at top).

COST AND OVERALL IMPRESSION

Targeted more towards the die-hard Michael Jackson collector, this addition to the Hot Toys Michael Jackson “Icons” series was only available in Hong Kong and Japan as a Hot Toys 10th Anniversary Toy Fair exclusive and, as such, has generated quite a bit of buzz on the secondary market.

The figure has great likeness, good head sculpt and well-tailored clothing. That said, it only includes one head sculpt and without the DX PERS system too. Obviously, it is hard to predict the response from the market; however, because it’s so limited, demand has stayed high.

A smart way to satisfy MJ fans and continue to utilize the MJ license, the addition of the “Beat It” Icons figure is a solid addition to any die-hard fan’s collection. Sadly, because of the limited number of figures and thus the high price point, the figure will scare most of the casual MJ fans away.

For die-hard fans of the previous released Hot Toys’ MJ Icons figures, this is a must. For casual fans of MJ, this may be a bit more to chew. Of course, this is one of the King of Pop's most memorable looks and no doubt that is why Hot Toys release it with a limited numbers.

As of now, the only way to pick up this figure is on the secondary market for prices as high as $250.00 or more. Again, a bit more than most casual fans will probably be willing to spend; but an awesome addition to any MJ fan’s collection no doubt.